Hi there,

With $1.1 billion in revenue growth for the second year in a row, a record $8.7 billion in exports, $1 billion in R&D spend and some significant offshore investment flowing into local tech businesses, the New Zealand tech sector has plenty to celebrate.

But while the figures are impressive, Technology Investment Network’s Greg Shanahan wants more. And he’s not just pushing for tech to be further up the export sector pecking order. Instead, TIN is encouraging the tech community to be a force for good, with its unique ability to diversify the country's economic backbone.

In other news:

Airtree’s A$275m fund to grow local startups
Gartner's latest on where business are investing their tech spend
Tradies get new weapon to combat tool theft
Facial recognition to access porn? That'll be popular.

We also take a look at how Rip Curl integrated its global supply chain to open up economies of scale and enable the legendary surf brand to forge a competitive edge in the retail fashion market.

Enjoy the read,

Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz

TECH SUCCESS

TIN200 on a mission for social good

52,000 strong tech industry network effect aimed at changing the nation, for good…

TIN founder and MD, Greg Shanahan, has used TINs 20th anniversary to implore the industry to do more to diversify the nation’s economy.

“[Tech] has the potential to become our country’s leading source of offshore income.”

[Read more]

VENTURE CAPITAL

Airtree brings superfunds, cash to downunder tech startups

AirTree Ventures has secured $275m to ‘double down’ on early stage Kiwi and Australian technology startups…

Its third fund closed out by the Sydney-based capital firm, and at $275 million, it’s one of the largest of its kind in Australia.

“We have experienced the tough, lonely road ourselves.”

[Read more]

TECH INVESTMENT

Local businesses spending up large on (some) tech

While others fall by the roadside…

Australia and NZ businesses are charging ahead when it comes to IT investment, with both countries forecast to see growth in spend well in excess of the global average this year.

Driving spend are modern BI, augmented analytics and robotic process automation software.

[Read more]

TRADE TECH

Simple tech to thwart a big tradie problem

And it’s not complicated…

It’s a simple enough idea – no fancy tech required (blockchain, we’re looking at you…), but an Australian app is making in-roads with tradies keen for assistance in the growing problem of tool theft.

The app generates police and insurance reports in a matter of a few clicks.

[Read more]

INTERNET SECURITY

Facial recognition proposed for Australians accessing porn

Smile for the camera, please…

In another from the ‘what could possibly go wrong’ file, Australians may have to submit to ‘face verification’ before indulging in online porn under a plan touted by the Department of Home Affairs.

Intended to fight crime and identity theft, the services could also be used to provide age verification.

[Read more]

RETAIL SUPPLY CHAIN

Rip Curl stays ahead of the wave

Doing business better in real time…

Some classics don’t change. Australian surf wear brand Rip Curl still makes its iconic wetsuits in-house, to its own design.

Streamlining core business transactions for efficiency and value.

[Read more]

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